Eversource Recognizes Heating Assistance Awareness Month

Press release from Eversource:

Nov. 20, 2021

With winter on the horizon and the global demand for natural gas soaring, driving up home heating costs, Eversource is encouraging customers to take advantage of assistance programs and payment plans available to help. In recognition of the first annual Heating Assistance Awareness Month in Connecticut, and as global demand for the energy company is partnering with state leaders and the communities it serves to raise awareness of the many programs available to help keep homes warm this winter.

“Helping customers navigate their way through the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic is crucial, and we’re glad to be partnering with state and community leaders to get the word out about energy assistance available,” said Eversource Vice President of Customer Operations Jess Cain. “We want all customers to be aware of the options available to them including programs like UniteCT and Connecticut’s Energy Assistance Program, or Eversource’s Matching Payment Program, which not only arranges affordable monthly payments for them, it also protects them from service disconnection.”

State and federal assistance:

• UniteCT, administered by the Department of Housing, provides eligible renters up to $1,500 toward past due electric expenses and past or future rent expenses. Customers can apply by visiting UniteCT.ct.gov or by calling UniteCT at 844-UniteCT.

• Connecticut’s Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), provides assistance for winter heating costs for thousands of Connecticut homeowners and renters who meet state income guidelines. Customers can learn more and apply through their local Community Action Agency (CAA) Customers can find their local CAA at 211ct.org or by calling 211.

• Operation Fuel, year-round emergency energy and utility assistance for customers facing a financial crisis. Customers can contact Operation Fuel at 860-243-2345 or apply online at OperationFuel.org/gethelp.

Payment plans:

• The Matching Payment Program offers monthly payments as low as $50 for electric or gas heating customers. Enrollment began November 1.

• The New Start Program forgives overdue balances for electric customers as on-time monthly budget payments are made. (For example. if your budget payment amount is set at $150 per month and your past due balance is $1,200, for every month you make your required $150 payment towards your bill, Eversource will reduce your past-due balance by $100.)

• Payment Plans are available to all customers to pay their past-due balance over a period of up to 24 months with no interest charges.

Customers can call the energy company at 800-286- 2828 or learn more about the assistance and payment programs available. Information on energy efficiency solutions can be found at Eversource.com.

This press release was produced by Eversource. The views expressed here are the author's own.